Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum

Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a truly meaningful and memorable experience for anyone traveling to Hanoi. Located in Ba Dinh Square, this place is not only a famous tourist attraction but also a sacred historical site where people come to pay respect to President Ho Chi Minh – the beloved leader of the Vietnamese people. The architecture of the mausoleum is solemn and impressive, built with grey stone and inspired by traditional Vietnamese and Soviet styles. The atmosphere around the square is calm and respectful. When entering the mausoleum, everything is kept quiet and orderly. Security is tight but polite, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and behave respectfully. Inside, visitors have the opportunity to see President Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body preserved in a glass case. It’s a powerful moment – not just for Vietnamese, but for foreigners too – to witness the lasting legacy of a man who played such a vital role in Vietnam’s history. One thing to note is that the mausoleum is only open in the mornings and closed on Mondays and Fridays, so planning ahead is necessary. There may be a queue, especially during holidays, but the line moves quite efficiently.

The embalmed body of the great Ho Chi Minh is preserved and displayed here, and visiting the mausoleum is truly a moving experience. It reminded me of my visit to Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow years ago — the setup and atmosphere are quite similar, filled with respect and solemnity. As it was a weekend, the place was very crowded, and the heat made the wait a bit challenging. Still, it was worth every moment to witness such an important piece of Vietnamese history. Entry is free, but there are strict rules in place to maintain the sanctity of the site. Photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the mausoleum. Visitors must dress modestly — clothing that reveals shoulders or knees is not allowed. Silence and respectful behavior are expected throughout the visit. This is not just a tourist spot but a place of deep national pride for Vietnam. If you’re in Hanoi, don’t miss the opportunity to pay your respects to the man who played a pivotal role in the country’s independence.

Visiting the mausoleum is a chaotic experience, to say the least. First, the dress code. See the photo. In no part of the etiquette rules says ‘shorts’ are not allowed. Actually, on my visit, I saw many wearing shorts and even open toed sandals/slippers were allowed. Second, the wait, we visited on a Sunday when many locals were also lining up for the mausoleum. We arrived at 8:50 and got unto the building at 9:35. After we finished our viewing, the line had already been digested and dissipated. It seemed like by getting here early we ended up spending more time waiting in line. Third, which entrance to use. There are several entrances to the premise that includes the square and the mausoleum. For the mausoleum specifically, go to the [southwest corner], NOT the two checkpoints on either side of the square in front of the mausoleum. Fourth, the presidential place and the fish pond require a ticket from foreigners. Locals get in for free. Fifth, the viewing took about 1 minute. Visitors walk around the casket places in the center of a dark room that is lit by reddish light.

Visited this complex which was an interesting experience. Need to be aware of the dress code (no shorts) and no bottles of water. Many school kids and long queues but moved quickly. Limited viewing time. Can also view the stilt house where Ho Chi Minh lived on and off from 1958 to 1969.

Visiting Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum was both humbling and educational. The atmosphere is solemn, and the respect shown by visitors and staff alike reflects the importance of the site. The surrounding area, is beautifully maintained and worth exploring. A must-see for anyone interested in Vietnamese history and culture.

This is one of the most iconic structures in whole Hanoi. The complex is in a huge square in the middle of the city. There is the mausoleum itself, which is not accessible for the public to see Ho Chi Minh's body, and the his house and a museum in the northern part. The museum was also closed. It is better to go very early in the morning to avoid big crowds. Consider that they will not allow you with shorts into the complex. Unfortunately, this rule is only applied to those people who don't have blonde hair, blue eyes, and super white skin. If you belong to the aforementioned group, you can walk in shorts and shorts skirts. It is truly unfortunate to see that the rules of etiquette are not applied equally.

Nice place for a visit when we travel in Hanoi Need to do the security check before entry to the Mausoleum Got a few attractions places after entering this area, normally will spend more than 2 hours if you slowly go through all the attractions area Many places are free for us to visit

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the president and prime minister of Vietnam is a place that you absolutely must visit when in Hanoi. Remember the regulations and how to dress. I recommend going in the early morning hours, because a few hours later there will be very long lines. Kindergartens, schools, students, military, civilians and tourists. The most crowded location. Please remember not to use your phone and take pictures in certain areas because they can take them away. In addition to the Mausoleum, there is the presidential palace, the building and the garden where the leader rested. There is also a museum, overall it is a really large area to visit.